Machinery for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum.



J. WRIGHT. MAGHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INLAID LINQLEUM.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 10, 1909.

Patented Oct. 10,1911.

3 SHEETS-411E111 1.

QB. F

INVEHTOR ATTORNEYS.

COLUMBIA PLANOORAPH CCL, WASHINGTON. D. C.

J. WRIGHT. MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INLAID LINOLEUM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 10, 1909.

Patented Oct. 10, 1911.

31$HEETS-SHEET 2.

iNvEqToR W? W ATTORNEYS J. WRIGHT. MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INLAID LINOLEUM. APYLIOATION FILED SEPT. 10, 1909.

1,005,587. Patented 001. 10, 1911.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

A; ATTORNQS JOHN WEIGHT, 013' POLLOKSHIELDS, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND.

MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INLAIID LINOLEUM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 10, 1911.

Application filed September 10, 1909. Serial No. 517,127.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN WVRIGHT, a subject of the King of England, and resident of Pollokshields, Glasgow, North Britain, have invented Improvements in Machinery for the Manufacture of Inlaid Linoleum, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to that process of manufacturing linoleum in which pattern is produced by the intrusion of parts from a color sheet or sheets of material into a ground sheet by means of cooperating male and female dies, (for example of the type and manner of operation described in the specification of my prior British Patent No. 1135 of 1908); the dies being so arranged and positioned relatively that the intruded color material extrudes and takes the place of the corresponding portion of ground-material.

The invention has for its object to produce a machine carrying out the various operations of the process continuously in a satisfactory and effective manner.

A machine made according to the invention comprises essentially a turntable mounted upon a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices for the produc tion of pattern in linoleum by the intrusion process referred to. Opposite this turntable, and its die devices is a framing adapted to carry a web of the ground-material horizontally and provided with means hereinafter explained for applying thereto the usual backing cloth, the framing being so positioned that the center line of the web of ground-material cuts the axis of the turntable. The web of ground-material is so carried in the framing that it passes beneath the turntable carried male dies when they come successively into line with the center line of the web, and at this point in the framing there is arranged beneath the web the female die, while above the web and above the level of the male die is a device, preferably hydraulic, for applying pressure to the dies to cause the intrusion operation. The male dies carried on the turntable are in turn carried upon radial (or more or less so) arms pivoted thereto and engaging at their inner ends stationary cam or like devices operating them in proper sequence. The turntable dies are devised to extrude from the ground sheet the whole of the pattern be it to be in one or be it to be in more than one color, and the color material may be laid on in sheets of convenient size by hand.

Preferably the color material, if there be but one color material, is arranged in a web transverse to the ground web and so positioned as to pass over the ground web at the point of action of the rotatory male die and the stationary female die. Again, if there be more than one color material in the design while one or more of the rotating male dies and the counterpart female die are devised to form the apertures in the ground sheet for the whole of the pattern the other male dies may be constructed so as to intrude therein only one color, the other colors being intruded each from a series of webs transverse to the ground web and each passing beneath a die for the intrusion of its own color.

Ground web, backing cloth, and the one or more color webs, are mounted upon beams of usual form and guided by rollers, and means are provided for advancing the various webs step-by-step and for operating the turntable and its dies in proper sequence and unison therewith.

The turntable device may be used without the transverse color web or webs, the transverse color web or webs may be used without the turntable device, and in all cases the longitudinal so-called ground web may be dispensed with (the backing material, of course, remaining and being moved longitudinallythat is to say, across the color webs if there be such), while ground-material, from which the pattern part is extruded by entering color material in the dies, is supplied to the dies in separate sheets.

In order that the invention and the manner of performing the same may be properly understood, there are hereunto appended three sheets of drawings of an example of a complete machine for the production of patterned linoleum with a large number of pattern-colors, it being understood that where linoleum with a comparatively few pattern-colors is required a single unit of the machine-either the turntable unit or the transverse color web unit may be used separately.

In the drawings, Figures 1 and 2, Sheets 1, and 2, are, respectively, a plan and a side elevation, Fig. 3, Sheet 3, a sectional end elevation of the complete machine, and Fig. at a transverse vertical section to a considerably enlarged scale and somewhat diagrammatically of an example of a suitable form of male and female die device.

What may be termed the first unit of the machine comprises essentially a turntable A having a long bossA turning upon a stationary vertical pivot and carrying a series of male die devicesB. These male die devices are upon brackets B pivoted upon short horizontal shafts B and are moved into and out of apertures B in the turntable in proper sequence and period by vertical tappet rods B engaging the brackets at their upper ends and bearing at their lower ends tappet rollers B engaging a stationary cam track B. In the apertures in the turntable are arranged light stencil plates C supported by springs C these stencil plates being merely for the temporary support of the linoleum material while it is being moved around with the turntable. In order to partially support the weight of the brackets B and die devices B, and relieve the load upon the cam track B, springs C arranged between arms C on the brackets and a loose ring (1 on the projecting end of the stationary central pivot, are provided. Opposite this turntable A and its die devices is a framing D somewhat lengthy in this the complete machine, and only with the end of which adjacent to the turntable the description at present deals. Below this end of the framing D are brackets D carrying a rolled web of ground material D which passes over a guide roller D and horizontally along at the level of the turntable and of the top of the framing as indicated by the dotted line D Rearward of this is a like roll D of backing material supported on brackets D which passes over a guide roller D and in like manner finally leaving the machine at the rear end (as indicated by dotted lines D D*) after the application to it as hereinafter explained of the completely patterned material-backin and material passing from the machine to takeup, calendaring, or other mechanism which is not shown.

The framing D is so positioned that its center line, and, of course, also the center line of the web D of ground material, cuts the axis of the turntable A. The turntable A is provided with mechanism hereinafter described for rotating it intermittently stepby-step in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1 in such manner that the center lines of the successive male die devices B and the corresponding apertures or rather receptacles in the turntable are successively brought into coincidence with the center line of the framing D and ground web D which described in the earlier British specification hereinbefore referred to, by grid bars P P supported in turn upon a second similar grid of heavier bars P P*. The web of ground material D rests on this die. Above the web D is the spring-supported stencil plate 0 supporting pattern color material Q, and above this again is the male die B. Above the male die devices B is a platen E adapted to apply pressure to the male die devices and cause them to extrude the pattern material Q carried on the stencils G into the web D beneath.

The punched web of ground material tends to adhere to the female die and so tear when the web is moved forward. To prevent this, there is provided a knife-like stripping plate N of thin steel carried in a frame N sliding in guides in the side frames D and reciprocated between the female die and the ground web D by a lever N 2 pivoted at the base of the machine and a slot N in which engages a pin in the frame N while the lever is operated by a link N from one arm of a bell-crank lever N the other arm of which is connected to a tappet rod N bearing a tappet N adapted to be engaged by a series of cams N on the turntable.

The platen E is carried on the lower end of the ram E of a double acting hydraulic cylinder E fixed to a substantial overhead framing E coupled to the framing D by side members E transverse members E and heavy bolts E The supply of pressure fluid to operate the ram E of this hydraulic cylinder and the rams F, F F of successive hydraulic cylinders F F, F of like purpose and hereinafter referred to, is controlled by a valve in a valve boX G connected to a pressure supply pipe G and connected in turn to the various cylinders by pipes G G The direction of flow of pressure fluid and consequent movement of the rams E F, F F is controlled by a connecting rod G (Fig. 2) connected to the ram E and by a link G to a bell-crank lever G pivoted on a bracket upstanding on the framing E, and connected by a slotted link G to a pin on a tumbler lever G bearing in a slotted track in it a tumbler weight G and provided with tappet arms G, G engaging, when the tumbler lever falls from side to side, the alternate arms G G of a lever operatively connected to the valve (which is of ordinary slide or piston form) within the valve boX G. For the sake of clearness, this tappet mechanism is not shown in Fig. 1. The connecting rod G* also operates rocking lever H transverse to the length of the machine and pivoted in a bracket H secured to the upper framing E The end of this lever remote from the connecting rod G is connected by a link H with a bell-crank lever H on a horizontal pivot, and connected in turn by a link H* with a second bell-crank lever H on a vertical pivot, and which in its turn is connected by a link H with a quadrant I-I gearing with a pinion H on the boss A of the turntable A, and between which pinion and the boss is ratchet mechanism (not shown) which allows the pinion to rotate freely in the opposite direction to that in which it is desired that the turntable B should rotate. Thus, the reciprocation of the ram E causes step-by-step rotation of the turntable A.- A pin H carried on a bracket H on the platen enters one of four apertures H in the turntable A at each successive stroke of the ram, so securing correct alinement of pattern.

The ground web D and the backing material D are fed through the machine stepby-step, a distance equal to the width of the dies, by a carrier band J provided with sharp pins or other devices to engage the materials, and passing around the guide roller J and over a driving roller J This driving roller J is rotated stepby-step by the following means :There is provided fast on a transverse shaft J 3 a lever J 4 operated by a tappet rod J from the platen of the hindmost ram F Fast on the same shaft is a lever J connected by a link J with a lever J pivoted loosely upon the axle J of the driving roller J and carrying a pawl J engaging a ratchet wheel J fixed to that roller.

Each of the successive rams F, F F operates upon a male die device K, K K for a particular color, and color webs K K K of each such color are arranged to pass transversely beneath them and over the ground web D these parts constituting what has been termed the second unit of the machine. These webs are stored upon a beam K at one side of the machine and pass from thence over guide rollers K over the ground web and over more guide rollers K to atake-up beam K at the other side of the machine. This take-up beam is operated step-by-step by a hydraulic cylinder L (Fig. 3) to the ram of which is fixed arack L gearing with a pinion L connected through a ratchet and pawl L to a pinion L (so that the pinion rotates only during the outstroke of the ram) gearing in turn with a pinion L fixed to the beam K The movements of the ram are controlled by a valve operated by tumbler mechanism M substantially identical with that de scribed in connection with the valve box Gr,

and this tumbler mechanism is in turn 0perated by a link lVI bearing tumbler-engaging tappets M and connected to one end of a lever M pivoted on a pin M above the machine, and connected at its other end to the crosshead of the ram F (lever and link being omitted for the sake of clearness in Figs. 1 and There is provided beneath each male die K, K K and beneath the passing web D a female die (not visible).

In order to reduce drag upon the punched web of ground material D the guide roller D is driven by pitch chain N from the guide roller J of the carrier band J.

There are several methods of working the machine.

Firstly, the turntable dies may be all identical and all devised to extrude from the ground web the whole of the pattern be it to be in one or in more than one color. In this case the male dies K, K K are devised to introduce into the web the proper parts composing the pattern which when complete is in four colors.

Secondly, one of the turntable dies-may extrude all the pattern from the ground web, while each of the other three introduce a color. In this case, sheets of color material of commensurate size are laid upon the stencils C by hand. It is further necessary to provide that the ground web D and backing D in this case be advanced a step once only in every revolution of the turntable. To this end there must therefore be provided a hydraulic valve for the separate control of the three rams F, F F and the gearing they operate. This valve may very conveniently be operated by cam-andtappet gear from the turntable.

Thirdly, and with similar means for operating the rams F, F F the turntable dies and the transverse web dies may all simply introduce their particular colors seven in all, the backing web D in this case cannot of course extend under the three rams but is arranged to receive the completed material at the end of the machine.

Fourthly, where few colors are required, the transverse webs and their appurtenances may be dispensed with and all (four) colors be inserted by the turntable dies. Or, fifthly, and under the same conditions, the turntable and its dies may be dispensed with and all colors be inserted by the rams F, F F and their appurtenances. Also, the number of dies upon turntable or elsewhere may be diminished or increased as found desirable.

It is to be understood that the various male and female dies are provided with stripping plates and those other devices known to those skilled in the art adapted to render their performance in the machine satisfactory and that the devices may be of any suitable kind known to those skilled in the art and other than that exemplified in the drawings.

What I claim is 1. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a turntable mount ed on a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices; a framing arranged opposite the turntable and adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally and so positioned that the turntable dies pass over it on rotation of the turntable; a female die carried on the framing and beneath the ground Web; means for operating the series of male dies When they successively coincide With the female dies, means for rotating the turntable step-by-step and means for feeding the ground Web step-by-step.

2. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a turntable mounted on a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices; a framing arranged op posite the turntable and adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally and so positioned that the turntable dies pass over it on rotation of the turntable; a female die carried on the framing and beneath the ground Web, radial pivoted brackets on the turntable and carrying the male dies, means for moving the male dies to and from receptacles or apertures in the turntable, means for rotating the turntable step-by-step and means for feeding the ground Web stepby-stepi 3. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a turntable mounted on a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices; a framing arranged opposite the turntable and adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally and so positioned that the turntable dies pass over it on rotation of the turntable; a female die carried on the framing and beneath the ground Web, radial pivoted brackets on the turntable and carrying the male dies, tappet rods carried on the turntable and engaging the brackets and a stationary cam track, means for rotating the turntable step-by-step and means for feeding the ground Web stepby-step.

4. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a turntable mounted on a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices; a framing arranged opposite the turntable and adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally, and so positioned that the turntable dies pass over it on rotation of the turntable; a female die carried on the framing and beneath the ground web; radial pivoted brackets on the turntable and carrying the male dies, tappet rods carried on the turntable and engaging the brackets and a stationary cam track, a platen adapted to apply pressure to the male dies and carried upon the ram of a hydraulic cylinder provided With a suitable valve operating device, means for rotating the turntable step-by-step and means for feeding the ground Web step-by-step.

5. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a turntable mounted on a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices; a framing arranged opposite the turntable and adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally and so positioned that the turntable dies pass over it on rotation of the turntable; a female die carried on the framing and beneath the ground Web; radial pivoted brackets on the turntable and carrying the male dies; tappet rods carried on the turntable and engaging the brackets, and a stationary cam track, a platen adapted to apply pressure to the male dies and carried upon the ram of a hydraulic cylinder provided with a suitable valve operating device, means for rotating the turntable step-by-step operated through ratchet gear from the device applying pressure to the dies, and means for feeding the ground Web step-by-step.

6. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a turntable mounted on a vertical axis and carrying a series of male die devices; a framing arranged opposite the turntable and adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally, and so positioned that the turntable dies pass over it on rotation of the turntable; a female die carried on the framing and beneath the ground Web; radial pivoted brackets on the turntable and carrying the male dies; tappet rods carried on the turntable and engaging the brackets and a stationary cam track, a platen adapted to apply pressure to the male dies and carried upon the ram of a hydrauliccylinder provided With a suit-able valve operating device; means for rotating the turntable step-by-step operated through ratchet gear from the device applying pres sure to the dies, and means for feeding the ground Web step-by-step comprising ratchet mechanism operated from the reciprocating device applying pressure to the dies.

7. A machine for the manufacture of in laid linoleum comprising a framing adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally, means to carry Webbing of color material horizontally and transversely to the ground Web, means for feeding the ground and color Webs step-by-stepin transverse directions, and die devices at the points of crossing the ground Web and color Webs and means for operating said die devices.

8. A machine for the manufacture of inlaid linoleum comprising a framing adapted to carry a Web of ground material horizontally, means to carry Webbing of color material horizontally and transversely to the ground Web, means for feeding the ground and color webs step-by-step in transverse directions die devices at the points of crossing the ground Web and color Web or Webs, In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set means for operating the dies consisting of my hand in the presence of two subscribing 10 a hydraulic ram, a platen carried thereby Witnesses.

and adapted to apply pressure to the dies, a suitable valve operating device for the ram and ratchetgearing operatively connecting the reciprocating device to the step-by-step feed for the Webs.

JOHN WRIGHT.

Witnesses:

W. P. LAIDLOW, JAMES HOWATT.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

